<i>Toll collection with police backing! </i>
A ring leader of toll collectors in Rrajshahi city after arrest yesterday told Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) that police engaged him in extortion on a secret deal.
Esarul Haque Tutul was caught red handed while he was collecting toll from wholesale businessmen at Shaheb Bazar in Rajshahi city. Ansar Ali, one of his associates fled away sensing Rab presence.
Local traders said, Tutul, in the name of police, used to collect around Tk 70,000 daily from hundreds of traders in Shaheb Bazar, the largest market in the city.
The traders said they earlier complained to police on several occasions, but to no effect. Finding no alternative, they informed officials at Rab-5 office in Rajshahi.
Eyewitnesses said that while being caught, Tutul told Rab members in loud voice that he 'leased' the market (Shaheb Bazaar) and transports plying through the city for Tk 80 lakh a year for toll collection.
He also told Rab that he paid policemen of different police stations, outposts and also traffic police.
When asked, senior police officials denied talking on the matter. An official seeking anonymity however said that the arrestee might have made the false accusation against police to save himself.
Tutul was handed over to Boalia police station in the evening. Shaheb Bazar Traders Association also filed a case with the police station.
Hailing from Alimganj of Paba upazila, Tutul resided at his father-in-law's house in Rajpara area.
He used to collect Tk 120 each from traders, big or small, traders said.
A group of 22 including some policemen assisted him. He led the group who halted inter-district busses and trucks at city entry points and collected toll from transport workers almost openly. Smugglers also paid him toll regularly, knowing that they would be able to do their illegal work without disturbance, sources said.
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